 The goods: Although participation numbers remain low, Africentric wants to make history by topping .500 and reaching the playoffs. Saunders had more than 1,200 all-purpose yards and made five interceptions last season.

 The goods: Bynote, a former Ohio State standout, is eager to begin his first high-school coaching job after a middle-school stint with the Columbus Crusaders. The Bruins seasoned offensive line will set the tone with their leadership.

 The goods: With nine starters among his 15 returning lettermen, Miranda will field an inexperienced lineup. The Warriors, going for a fifth straight playoff spot, will be just as fast and physical as ever, though. Projected starting RB Martine Perez was lost until midseason with a broken ankle, so Miranda put Barrow, a vital defender (86 tackles, 14 for loss), at QB.

 The goods: First-team all-Ohioan Benson, who passed for 2,727 yards and 32 TDs and ran for 785 yards and 16 TDs, is the linchpin of a high-powered offense. Back to protect him is first-team all-Ohioan Dillard, a four-year starter. Alverson (46 receptions, 926 yards, 15 TDs), Michigan recruit Dukes (36 for 663, seven TDs) and Williams (30 for 540, five TDs) form a dynamite trio of receivers. The defense, though, returns no starters.

 The goods: The Scots should shine on defense with seven returning starters, led by Cole. Wheelwright, a Wisconsin recruit, should improve on his statistics from last season (45 catches, 528 yards, 11 TDs). Toney started four games at QB in 2011.

 The goods: Finding a replacement for record-setting QB Chris Rhodes in Wests spread offense has been a challenge. Flusche might go with rotating starters until one seizes the job. Holland (45 receptions, 688 yards, 10 TDs) is a playmaker, and the defense is much-improved.